Formed in 2019, the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Family Council is a volunteer advisory board of engaged and informed VCU family members who represent and serve VCU students, families and the University. The VCU Family Council guides VCU families toward increased support, understanding and enthusiasm for VCU and its mission.

The VCU Family Council:
- Provides advice and guidance on family programs and services to VCU
- Advocates for students and families as needed on various topics and initiatives
- Serves as a vehicle for communication between VCU families and VCU administrators
- Volunteers for and coordinates family-focused events and initiatives that benefit students and families

Members of the VCU Family Council provide guidance and direction on University efforts and have the ability to influence and shape policy and decision-making aimed at creating a better experience for students and families. Members have the opportunity to meet in person twice annually with university leaders to discuss important information about VCU and network with other VCU family members and meet throughout the remainder of the year virtually to conduct business and connect.

The VCU Family Council is governed by active family volunteers who connect regularly with one another, serve as ambassadors of VCU during major events, and are annual contributors to the VCU Family Fund. They are expected to provide feedback to the Office of Student Advocacy and VCU Families about various initiatives designed to engage and inform families and to communicate with families about important happenings at VCU that impact students and families.

MEETING AND PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS

Council members must participate as follows:

- Two in-person meetings per year
- Video conference meetings 
- On an ongoing basis through Cliq (online collaboration platform) channels

VCU Family Council members will be appointed by the VCU Families staff in consultation with the Family Council Leadership Team, various university students and staff on an annual basis with a major recruitment process taking place each summer. Council members will be representative of the diversity of the VCU student body as applications allow.

Any family member of a current full-time undergraduate VCU student in good standing with VCU is eligible to apply for membership. Council members represent each of the four undergraduate classes (freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior) and serve for a term of one year. This term is renewable until a council member’s student is no longer enrolled at VCU as long as they continue to meet the required responsibilities, are active in their membership and are positive ambassadors of the University. Parents and others who have served in a guardian capacity for their VCU student are encouraged to apply.

There is no membership fee - only the requirement to contribute whatever one is able to the VCU Family Fund and to volunteer your time and talents at council meetings and family events.

If you would like to be considered for membership, please complete the following application. Applicants may be selected based on application or invited to participate in telephone interviews. Final selection and notification of new members will occur in August.